Q. How important is a humidifier, and why are they used more for heating than cooling?

A. A humidifier is only used in the heating mode to add humidity to the home as the house dries out. Your body evaporates moisture off your skin when it is dry inside, so you feel warmer at a cooler temperature when the humidity is kept at a higher level. If the house gets too dry you will start to have more damage to your wood trim and furniture. Also when the humidity gets too low you can experience more adverse health issues. In the summer when the humidity level is high your air conditioner works to remove the excess humidity in your home.

Q. My gas bill has been getting bigger every year for the last few winters. Is there anything I can do to cut back on my HVAC System's energy usage? I keep my thermostat about as low as I can.

A. A lot of people are in the same boat as you because natural gas prices, especially in the Midwest, have soared in the last few years. One way we've helped customers cope is with Trane's Hybrid Heat system. It's a high-efficiency natural gas furnace combined with a high-efficiency electric heat pump. It's often referred to as a "dual fuel" system.

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Heating and Cooling Insights :: Ventilation

Whole-House Ventilation Is Important But Often Overlooked in West Chester Homes

by Greg Leisgang on November 21, 2013

In combination with your HVAC equipment, a whole-house ventilation system improves indoor air quality throughout your home. The four most common types of whole-house ventilation systems are:… read more »

Heating and Air Fact or Fiction?: Closing Your Air Vents Improves HVAC Efficiency in Your Hamilton Home

by Greg Leisgang on October 23, 2013

Historically, homeowners closed off areas of their homes for heating and air conditioning efficiency. Hamilton homeowners are finding that while that may have been a good practice when wood stoves were used, it is not ideal for many homes today.… read more »

Evaluate Your Attic Ventilation System To Ensure Optimal Results

by Greg Leisgang on November 19, 2012

We've discussed the importance of your Butler County or Greater Cincinnati area home's attic ventilation system in previous posts, but do you really know how yours stacks up? According to the American Institute of Architects, a staggering 90 percent of all American homes have unacceptably high levels of moisture -- largely because of poor attic ventilation. An understanding of good attic ventilation will help you steer clear of these problems.… read more »

The Foundation Of Your HVAC Systems Revolves Around Your Ductwork Design; Here's Why

by Greg Leisgang on September 1, 2011

As the delivery component of your heating and cooling system, your ductwork should evenly and efficiently distribute conditioned air throughout your household. Unfortunately, many homes in the Greater Cincinnati area have poorly conceived duct configurations, improperly installed ductwork or inadequate duct sealing.… read more »